Hillwalker found dead after 300ft plunge on icy mountain

The body of a man was discovered on a Lochaber mountain range after rescuers responded to reports of a person slipping 4000ft up.

On Sunday at around 2pm, the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team were called out on foot to the Carn Mor Dearg, which lies next to Ben Nevis, after one of the hillwalker’s companions saw him lose his footing 4000ft up the mountain.

A total of 25 rescuers were drafted into what was described as “extremely difficult” conditions.

Due to poor visibility and icy conditions on the mountain, the operation was called off on Sunday at around 10pm, and resumed on Monday.

The man’s body was found at around 2pm on Monday on the Carn Mor Dearg.

A spokesperson for the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team said: “We had 25 people out on Sunday from 2pm to 10pm.

“The conditions were extremely difficult and we were putting [rescuers’ lives] at risk so we had to stop for the night at 10pm.

“We were back out again at first light on Monday, at around 8am.

“We found the casualty at around 2pm on the Carn Mor Dearg.

“Conditions were very icy, there was a lot of glass on the rock. It was also very misty and windy up the mountain.

“We believe that at around 4000ft, close to the summit, the casualty has slipped and fallen over 100m down a very steep slope.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Following a mountain rescue and search operation on Monday, January 24, the body of a man was recovered from Carn Mor Dearg area, Lochaber.

“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and his family have been updated and supported by police.

“A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”